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John Carroll University Athletics

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JCU WLAX vs Grove City College (NCAA Tournament)
Vivian Rung (#17), Ellie Fleischer (#37), & Mary Grace Godleski (#11) Celebrate After Goal In NCAA First Round Win Against Grove City College (Photo Credit: Abbie Irons / St. John Fisher Athletic Communications
15
Winner John Carroll JOHN CAR 16-2, 6-1
5
Grove City GROVE CI 12-7, 9-0
Winner
John Carroll JOHN CAR
16-2, 6-1
15
Final
5
Grove City GROVE CI
12-7, 9-0
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
John Carroll JOHN CAR 8 4 1 2 15
Grove City GROVE CI 1 2 1 1 5

Game Recap: Women's Lacrosse | | Jamie Dailey '22, SID Assistant

Women’s Lacrosse Defeats Grove City College In First Round Of NCAA Tournament

ROCHESTER, New York – It was a solid performance from the Blue & Gold as they would capitalize on the opportunity in front of a roaring crowd there to support them in their first NCAA appearance since 2021. 

In the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament against the Grove City College Wolverines, the Blue Streaks would take care of business by a final score of 15-5. 

With the victory, John Carroll advances to the second round to play host St. John Fisher University tomorrow (Sunday, May 11th) at 1:00 PM at Growney Stadium. 

"Even though sometimes we got behind ourselves, it took our entire team to get our spark back," Van Gorder mentioned. "We maintained that throughout the end of the game and we were able to get those last couple of goals that led us over the edge."

Grove City College would score the first goal of the game after an offsides penalty from the Blue Streaks, but that lead did not last as Olivia Hanulak would answer with an unassisted goal to tie the score at one a piece. 

That wasn't it for Hanulak as she kept her foot on the gas to score another one for the Blue Streaks; this time with an assist from Anna Spitzer to get the momentum rolling in the first quarter of play. 

Hanulak was the player of the game, scoring a total of five goals, one assist, and a total of six points on just eight shots. She has been a significant player that has made an impact on the field in so many ways. 

Another key piece from the offense that would have an impressive showing was Abby Cassidy. Cassidy would record three goals on just four shots as the defense would be the boost for her throughout the game. 

From there, the Blue Streak offense would turn on the jets. Anna Spitzer would find herself in the back of the net to increase that lead, resulting in a Grove City timeout. Spizter would have herself a day for the team as she would collect three assists and a total of four points. 

Contributions from Daisy Thompson and Riley Knapp would allow more players to get involved as both players would score to keep extending that lead going into the second quarter. 

Both teams went on to trade shots for a few minutes into the second quarter until a goal from senior Lauren Schwartz would extend the lead to eight goals with an assist from Hanulak. 

Rachel Kroeger would make an unbelievable save just minutes after the goal to help propel that offense into gear. Kroeger would record two saves throughout the game with help from Josephine Lawler, who earned three saves. 

After a couple of shots were deflected from the defense, first year Kate Balland put her speed to good use to score her first goal of the game to add to the lead, which was a big energy boost for the entire team. 

Grove City College would add on two goals to cut that deficit to eight. Not long after, Lauren Schwartz was back at it again as she would add a goal to her tally with an assist from Kathleen Cagney to end the half. 

Vivian Rung would put herself in the mix, getting herself a goal with an assist from Ellie Fleischer to open up the scoring in the second half.

From then on, shots were traded back and forth with both sides fighting for the ball throughout the third and fourth quarters of play. 

For most of the second half, the Blue Streaks couldn't find any rhythm, but they were able to maintain the lead and keep themselves comfortable until the end of the game, which resulted in a first round tournament win to advance to the second round. 

This is now John Carroll's second NCAA Tournament win in as many appearances; an outstanding accomplishment for Coach Shewbridge and the rest of the crew. 

"It all goes back to our team's trust," emphasized Hanulak. "When we have trust on the field, we know that we can handle the ball if it's on offense or defense. We can exceed so much more when we have that." 

Coach Kelsey Shewbridge had lots to say about her team's performance today, but is taking these opportunities one game at a time before going into the second round. 

"One of our biggest mottos for this year is taking it game by game," says Shewbridge. "We really made sure to focus on Grove City because we know that nothing is guaranteed. We have to play the game before we look ahead. We don't have a practice before going into it and we know that they are talented team [St. John Fisher], but we gotta make sure we take it game by game and moment by moment." 

Preparation and mindset will be the biggest keys going into tomorrow's game as the Blue Streaks will now prepare for their second round matchup against St. John Fisher University. Tune in at 1:00 PM. 
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